Canadian man charged in massive Australian drug bust denied bail in Sydney

SYDNEY - A Canadian man charged in connection with a massive drug bust in Australia has been denied bail in a Sydney court.

The Australian Federal Police say 350 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine worth an estimated 245 million Canadian dollars were found inside a road roller shipped from China.

The 34-year-old Canadian — whose name wasn't released — was charged with importing the drugs. He appeared at hearing Monday where his bail request was denied. A second suspect, a 33-year-old American, is expected to appear in court Wednesday.

Australian authorities say the drug seizure and arrests concluded a two-and-a-half year investigation they code named Operation Pendine.

They say the investigation initially targeted an international organized crime syndicate they allege was planning to smuggle drugs into Australia.

Police say five search warrants were executed in the suburbs of Sydney over the weekend which led to the seizure of 235 kilograms of methamphetamine and 115 kilograms of cocaine.